Cuomo hires Republican as special advisor

Gov. Cuomo tapped a veteran Republican consultant Tuesday to serve as his $160,000- a-year special advisor. The Democratic governor said Susan Del Percio would focus on unspecified operations and special projects.

Explore More

Gov. Cuomo tapped a veteran Republican consultant Tuesday to serve as his $160,000- a-year “special advisor.”

The Democratic governor said Susan Del Percio would focus on unspecified ”operations and special projects.”

Del Percio worked on Republican Joe Lhota’s losing campaign for mayor last year and previously worked for former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and ex-Staten Island Congressman Vito Fossella, among others GOP candidates and office holders.

In language that will sure have some Republicans’ head spinning, a statement attributed to Del Percio in the governor’s press release said, “Governor Cuomo has a strong record of delivering real results for New Yorkers in all corners of the state and proving that government works best for the people when it is run in a bipartisan, collaborative manner. I look forward to serving in this new role and helping continue the momentum moving New York State ahead.”

One Cuomo insider said, “It’s a good move, huh?”

Del Percio has worked closely in the past with two GOP consultants serving on rival Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s campaign for governor, Bill O’Reilly and Jessica Proud.

O’Reilly congratulated Del Percio on twitter: “Excellent hire. Can’t blame AMC on his taste.”

GOP operative Jake Menges said Cuomo scored a coup.

“It was a brilliant move to take a top rate Republican like Susan off the table,” Menges said.

ncG1vNJzZmimqaW8tMCNnKamZ2JlfnV7j2xmamlfmMKwuc5mn6Kqlah6s7HPrpmloZOWu26t0maqqZ2Tnq6tecCdraKrn6d8

 Share!